As you know, I am a FutureMaker. I have been actively involved in the FutureMakers Coalition almost since the beginning. The FutureMakers Coalition is a collective impact initiative that is focused on bringing together stakeholders from throughout the Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Pathway. The goal is to transform our regional workforce by increasing the proportion of working-age adults with degrees, certificates and other high-quality credentials to 55%. We are currently at 41.2% and have some work in front of us, so this year’s theme is “a working revolution."
I work with several FutureMaker Action teams as they fit into the work of our Chamber and Foundation. Next Thursday, September 17, at 7:30AM FutureMakers is holding the “Breakfast of Champions” Meeting and because the meeting is being held virtually and not limited by space, you are all welcome to participate. Please join in to hear more about the work being done. Maybe you or one of your team would like to be part of the “working revolution?" You can register here.
And if you are looking for some light reading (okay, not really) or are a data geek like me, here is the FutureMakers Coalition SWFL Educational and Workforce Outcomes Reportfrom last year.
If you are currently bringing back positions lost as a result of the pandemic, or are interested in converting 1099 contractors to W-2 employees, please go to www.leeflcares.comand apply for the LeeCares Rehire Grant Program funds. This program provides grant funding to local businesses for rehiring a full-time position equivalent (FTE). This position must have been in the payroll as of March 1, 2020 and is re-established and filled July 6th or afterwards.
While the program closes to new applications next Friday, September 18any business that completes and submits a new application by then will be given a certain amount of time to make edits and additions, if requested by the LeeCares program staff. No new applications will be accepted after September 18th.
Please consider helping our new member, McDonald's (Nisbet Enterprises, Inc.), as they collect items to aid those affected by Hurricane Laura.
Personal care bags are being created and the following items are needed:
Shampoo/Conditioner
Dry Shampoo
Hand Sanitizer
Body Wipes
Lotion
Washcloths
Body Wash/Bar Soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Vitamin C Supplements
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Eye Drops
Toothbrush
Tooth Paste
Gift cards ($25/$50 denomination, Visa & Amazon cards are most helpful)
The deadline for donations is September 15 at 5:00PM. Please drop items off at any of their 7 locations:
Today is the anniversary of 9/11. I imagine next year there could be even more discussion as it will be 20 years since that day. The question often asked today is “Where were you?” I was the general manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott hotel on the corner of Colonial and Metro Parkway. We were closing out our morning breakfast buffet and the live news interrupted all programming. I was surrounded by staff and guests that morning – tears falling even though we had no idea the true impact of the day.
